(San Diego
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San Diego State University

About San Diego State University

About the American Language Institute (ALI) & SDSU

an Diego State University (SDSU), a truly global learning community, is an ideal place to begin your international education. SDSU's size, diversity, and academic reputation have made it one of America's major universities.

SDSU is the most established and largest university in the San Diego region (third largest in California), and impacts every aspect of life here like no other institution in the community.

SDSU has noteworthy programs in many fields, including business administration, engineering, public health, telecommunications, and public administration. It is also home to the largest library in the California State University System. As part of SDSU, the American Language Institute (ALI) is able to offer its students many benefits, including those listed below.

ALI students can enroll in university classes as well as ALI English classes, depending on the student's program and English level. Qualified students can earn college credit for these classes without going through the SDSU admissions process (see Semester at SDSU).

American Language Institute students have many of the same privileges as degree-seeking SDSU students, including access to the campus bookstore, library, cafeterias, restaurants, SDSU Health Services Center, and campus sports activities and clubs. Most students receive free membership to the Aztec Recreation Center, a 23,000-square-meter state-of-the-art gym. Gym membership includes the use of new tennis courts, an Olympic size swimming pool, racquetball facilities, a climbing wall, dance classes, and a bowling alley. Students may also learn to surf, sail, water ski, and wind surf at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, the world's largest instructional waterfront facility.

A History of Excellence
Listed below are just a few reasons why so many international students choose SDSU's American Language Institute.

The ALI is a division of the College of Extended Studies, one of the eight colleges of SDSU, the flagship campus of the California State University system and the largest university in the San Diego region. SDSU has been designated a "Research University" with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

The ALI is a renowned teacher training center, educating teachers from around the world in the latest ESL/EFL teaching techniques and methodologies.

The ALI is the only San Diego region member of UCIEP, the consortium of university and college administered intensive English programs in the United States. Additionally, the ALI is a member of AAIEP and NAFSA.

The ALI's University Advising Services has a successful record of assisting students in gaining admission to degree programs throughout the U.S., including the SDSU Graduate School of Business. Dedicated academic advising is available to all ALI students at no additional charge.

Advanced-level ALI students may enroll in regular SDSU classes and earn college credit without going through the San Diego State University admissions process.

Through the Semester at SDSU program, the ALI offers certificate programs that are comprised of regular SDSU classes with American students and include official academic credit and transcripts.

All ALI classes are taught on the SDSU campus in the Gateway Center and the Extended Studies Center. All ALI students have access to the high-speed computer and language labs in Gateway Center and the SDSU main library.

Students have easy access to metropolitan San Diego public transportation, including the San Diego Trolley at SDSU, offering ALI students rapid connections to prime destinations throughout the San Diego region.

Sports

Basketball

Dance

Football/Soccer

Swimming

Tennis

Track and field/Athletics

Additional Services

Student counselling

Visa support

Accommodation

Host family accommodation

Own apartment

In hotel/guesthouse

On campus

Shared Apartment

Student Residence

Activities

Dancing

Theatre

Cultural tourism (theater, museum, etc.)

Historical sightseeing

On campus events

Volunteering

University student social events

Professional Sports events

Local cultural events (festivals, etc.)

Courses

General English

Intensive English for Communication
This program is designed for students and professionals at all levels who want to develop and improve their practical English skills. The Intensive English for Communication (IEC) program is focused on speaking and listening, and students also spend time on grammar, reading, and writing. IEC provides students the opportunity to practice their skills with teachers, American students, and classroom facilitators. Flexible start dates and lengths of stay are available.

Number of weeks
4 or more

Hours of instruction
23+ per week

Requirements
Prior instruction in English

Number of levels 7

All students have access to a variety of electives, pronunciation clinics, sports and conversation clubs, language and computer labs, personalized student counseling, and academic advising.

English Academic preparation

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - For students who plan to enter a U.S. college or university at the undergraduate level. Exam Preparation is also included in EAP programs, including TOEFL and IELTS.

EAP Plus
Advanced students may enroll in up to two regular SDSU classes with American students. Official SDSU grades, credits, and transcripts are awarded and may be transferred to other universities.

Open to advanced students who test above EAP level 106.
Students work closely with their ALI advisors to choose SDSU classes in select departments.
Students earn SDSU credit in courses with American students.
Official SDSU transcripts and transferable credit are awarded.
Additional fees apply on a per-class basis.

Pre-MBA and Pre-Master's Program
The Pre-MBA and Pre-Master's program is a semester-long program for international students focused on graduate student preparation including GMAT and GRE preparation, assistance with applications to SDSU and other universities, as well as optional TOEFL/IELTS preparation.

Number of weeks
12 in summer, 17-18 in spring or fall

Hours of instruction
Up to 25 per week

Requirements*
High-intermediate to advanced level of English, at least 21 years old, or proof of university graduation. A 55 on TOEFL or 5.5 on IELTS guarantees admission to the Pre-MBA and Pre-Master's program.

Business English

Business English for Global Practices
The Business English for Global Practices (BEGP) certificate program is designed for students with intermediate to advanced English-language proficiency and a high level of commitment. This certificate course is for students and professionals interested in learning more about American business practices as they relate to business around the world.

Participants have the opportunity to follow one of three tracks depending on their length of stay. Students who successfully complete a session (eight weeks in fall and spring, six weeks in summer) receive a BEGP Certificate of Recognition. Those who successfully complete a term (two sessions) earn a BEGP Certificate of Achievement. Students who enroll for a period shorter than a session are eligible for an IEC certificate with specialization in business English.

Learn from Excellent Faculty – Most instructors hold advanced degrees and have experience in both business and language instruction.

Interact with International Business Students – Students in the program have the opportunity to take classes with people from all around the world who are interested in business.

Observe University Courses – High-intermediate and advanced students receive assistance in arranging observations of university courses, with permission from an SDSU professor.

TOEFL Not Required – Students are tested on site. Those placing in intermediate to advanced levels are eligible for the Business English for Global Practices (BEGP) certificate program.

Meet Native Speakers through Networking Opportunities and SDSU Business Club Involvement – Students have the opportunity to network with San Diego professionals and SDSU business students through participation in meetings, business club events and mixers.

Experience High-Profile San Diego Businesses – Field trips to prominent local businesses will be offered. Field trips vary by session.

Benefit from Career Advice Given by Corporate Executives – Students have the option to attend speaker sessions and presentations. Topics and speakers vary by session

Testing and Placement
The Business English for Global Practices program offers instruction for students with intermediate to advanced levels of English. A minimum TOEIC score of 500, TOEFL iBT of 55, or IELTS score of 5.0 will guarantee admission to this program. Those without test scores will test upon arrival. Students that do not have an intermediate level of English will be placed in the IEC program.

Non-Certificate, Short-Term Option
New BEGP students may begin their studies after the term begins on any of the published flex-entry dates for four weeks or longer. Students who enroll for a period shorter than a session will receive recognition in business English. To be eligible for a BEGP certificate, students entering on a flex-entry date must enroll in the next complete BEGP session.

Number of weeks
6+ summer, 8+ fall or spring

Hours of instruction
23+ per week

Requirements
Intermediate to advanced English language proficiency. A minimum TOEIC score of 500, TOEFL iBT of 55, or IELTS score of 5.0 will guarantee admission to this program.

Professional English

Social Entrepreneurship
The Social Entrepreneurship (SE) certificate program is designed for students with high-intermediate to advanced English-language proficiency. The courses focus on solving social problems by using creative entrepreneurial skills. SE students learn about problems in society, current business trends, and innovative social entrepreneurships. They also gain the knowledge, tools, and language resources necessary to create a business that would positively affect social change for the future.

Participants have the opportunity to follow one of three tracks depending on their length of stay. Students who successfully complete a session (eight weeks in fall and spring, six weeks in summer) receive an SE Certificate of Recognition. Those who successfully complete a term (two sessions) earn an SE Certificate of Achievement. Students who enroll for a period shorter than a session are eligible for an IEC certificate with specialization in business English.

Excellent Faculty with Advanced Degrees
Most instructors hold advanced degrees and have experience in both business and language instruction.

Interaction with International Business Students
Students in the program have the opportunity to take classes with people from all around the world.

Membership to the SDSU Entrepreneur Society
Students gain membership to the SDSU Entrepreneur Society, which includes: access to networking opportunities and speaker sessions; participation in meetings, events, and workshops; and personalized Entrepreneurship Society business cards.

TOEFL Not Required
Students are tested on site. Those placing in high-intermediate to advanced levels are eligible for the Social Entrepreneurship certificate program.

Social Enterprise Models
Through classroom and seminar instruction, students will be shown models of how others developed a social business idea into an effective social business plan.

Testing and Placement
The Social Entrepreneurship program offers instruction for students with high-intermediate to advanced levels of English. A minimum TOEIC score of 600, TOEFL iBT of 65, or IELTS score of 5.5 will guarantee admission to this program. Those without test scores will test upon arrival. Students who do not have a high-intermediate level of English will enter either the BEGP or IEC program.

Non-Certificate, Short-Term Option
Social Entrepreneurship students who miss the start of a term may begin their studies on any of the published flex-entry dates for four weeks or longer. Students who enroll for a period shorter than a session will receive recognition in business English. To be eligible for a SE certificate, students entering on a flex-entry date must enroll in the next complete SE session. Please see Calendar & Fees for flex-entry dates.

Workplace English Programs:
In a global marketplace, people from different countries with different language backgrounds often work side by side - physically and/or electronically.

Effective communication in the workplace is essential for businesses to thrive. However, for many, just learning English is not enough. In fact, many English learners need English for the workplace.

Workplace English is a combination of employee English training and business English communication.

To ensure effective communication at work, the ALI delivers English language training for non-native English speakers.

Types of organizations that have used these services include:

Pharmaceutical research firms
Defense contractors
Pet food manufacturers
Utilities
Technology companies
Courses offered through the American Language Institute at San Diego State University include:

Pronunciation Improvement (Accent Reduction)
English Pronunciation for Presentations
Business Writing
Success Skills for Non-Native English Speakers in American Business Culture
Tips for Supervising Non-Native English-Speaking Employees

Tailor made English courses

Customized Group Programs
The American Language Institute offers a variety of customized group programs to meet the specific needs and goals of international students, professionals, corporations, and government agencies.

The ALI can offer customized programs for special groups in fields such as business, teacher training, law, health care, sports medicine, and others. These are offered at our San Diego State University location or on-site in the home country.

Customized Group Program Features
Morning classes in Intensive English Communications
Courses are taught by American Language Institute teachers who are highly trained in teaching English as a Second Language as well as business and other specialties
Flexible entry dates
Vacationers may come on a B1 (tourist for business) visa if they are taking under 18 classroom hours per week
The American Language Institute assists with housing in corporate apartments
Free time to use the ALI computer labs with free access to e-mail and the Internet

English Summer Courses

Intensive English Communication (IEC) Summer Session: Discover California
Come study English and enjoy the summer in San Diego, one of North America's most beautiful cities.

Program Highlights
Learn English that will help you connect with people around the world
Explore California culture
Understand the local community through volunteering in community service projects
Testing and Placement
The IEC program offers instruction in various levels of English, from beginning to advanced. Students are given individual speaking tests and written tests that assess their level in grammar, reading, writing, and listening. Students are then placed in appropriate classes for their level.

English Teacher Training

The ALI has been training teachers of English (EFL/ESL) since 1981, and is recognized worldwide by language schools, universities, ministries of education, governmental bodies, and top educational organizations. The following teacher training programs are currently offered.

The TESL/TEFL Certificate is for those with little or no previous English language teaching experience who would like to teach English abroad. This program combines a solid teaching foundation with hands-on practical classroom experience.

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